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Post by masterplan200 on Nov 19, 2006 14:45:53 GMT -5
Ireland secured back-to-back wins over southern hemisphere sides for the first time with a powerful display against Australia at Lansdowne Road.
Eight days after beating South Africa, Eddie O'Sullivan's side were 15-3 up at half-time thanks to tries from Denis Hickie and Geordan Murphy.
In blustery and wet conditions, the Wallabies were restricted to two penalties from Stirling Mortlock.
Ronan O'Gara landed three penalties for Ireland plus a conversion.
Interview: Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan
Ireland's first-half display was particularly impressive and earned them a standing ovation from the Dublin crowd.
606: DEBATE Ireland are surely the best side in the northern hemisphere. They make England look third rate
RR 606: Have your say
Skipper Mortlock's penalty had given Australia a 3-0 lead after just four minutes but the Irish responded with series of attacks, stretching the tourists' defensive line to the limit.
Ireland appeared to have crossed in the right corner through Murphy but the television replays showed the Leicester full-back had not quite got the touchdown.
Instead, play was taken back to a penalty which O'Gara landed off an upright.
Ireland got the try they had been threatening on 25 minutes when O'Gara spotted Hickie on the left touchline and fired a cross-field kick which the Leinster winger gathered before jinking between three defenders to score.
Australia's problems deepened when fly-half Larkham limped off and was replaced by Mat Rogers.
Ireland extended their lead in the final minute of the first half with a stunning try.
Full match statistics
Superb handling from O'Gara released Gordon D'Arcy, who rushed forward before feeding Horgan and the big Leinster man, about to be hurled into touch, passed back in to Murphy, with O'Gara converting.
The pace slackened in the second half with Mortlock landing one penalty followed by two from O'Gara.
For 10 minutes it was 14 players against 13 as Ireland's Denis Leamy and Aussie pair Rogers and Phil Waugh were sin-binned for fighting.
Hickie went close to getting another try but Ireland had already done enough and ended with a thoroughly deserved victory - only their second over Australia in 27 years.
Ulster flanker Neil Best was named man of the match. ;D C'mon, these guys are shit without Gregan!
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Post by MG on Nov 19, 2006 17:24:41 GMT -5
Didn't get to see the match, suprised and delighted at the scoreline! good job!! The Aussie were up training in my gym throughout the week, huge guys
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Post by Spider on Nov 20, 2006 12:07:32 GMT -5
Jesus, things are really looking tits up for the Aussies at the moment!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2006 12:52:31 GMT -5
;D C'mon, these guys are shit without Gregan! thought you were Australian
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Post by feckarse on Nov 20, 2006 17:24:15 GMT -5
Officially the 3rd best team in the world now, but really the 2nd.... But the World Cup is a long way away, and god-damn it we couldn't have been given a tougher draw Anyway, Six Nations before all that, and here's to giving England a thumping at Croker!
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Post by Spider on Nov 20, 2006 18:01:48 GMT -5
Anyway, Six Nations before all that, and here's to giving England a thumping at Croker! Probably happen seeing what a pile of wank we are at the moment!
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